HOUSING

LWC has a thorough understanding of California state housing law, and has successfully worked with 14 jurisdictions on the State certification process during the 4th and 5th Housing Element cycles. LWC has worked closely with City Staff to craft Housing Elements that are uniquely appropriate to a City’s variety of housing types, neighborhoods and downtowns. Our work involves extensive public engagement with the general public and with members of the housing community; results of these outreach efforts are incorporated into the Housing Element updates.

HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATES, 4TH & 5TH CYCLES

BENICIA, CA | 2008 - 2012

LWC was hired by the City of Benicia to update its Housing Element for the planning period from January 2007 to June 2014 (4th cycle). The Housing Element includes a focus on efficient land use patterns and promotes the placement of housing near public transit and services. The goals, policies, and programs in the updated Housing Element incorporate feedback from an extensive public participation process organized by the City and facilitated by LWC.

The public input process included one-on-one meetings with housing providers in the City, a two-day Housing Expo open to the public, and several public meetings and workshops. The Housing Expo included discussions with citizens and citizen groups, City Staff, local housing providers, and a representative from the State Department of Housing and Community Development. The Expo incorporated presentations, small group exercises, and tours intended to give members of the public a wide range of opportunities to learn about the update process and provide input.

Affordable Housing Short Sale Policy

Atascadero, CA | 2011

LWC was hired by the City of Atascadero to create a Short Sale Provision in the City’s Moderate Income Affordable Housing Program (MIAHP). The MIAHP was created in 2005 as an equity-sharing program intended to create home ownership opportunities for moderate-income households. After the subsequent economic recession and drastic changes in the housing market, the City determined that a Short Sale Provision was necessary to clarify how the City addresses situations in which households face foreclosure due to extenuating circumstances.

LWC researched the major factors and conditions contributing to MIAHP participants’ housing situations, fiscal impacts of the short sale Provision, and major policy considerations. The team provided the City with three alternative policies and an analysis of the primary advantages and disadvantages of each option. Ultimately, the City adopted a provision that provides program participants facing foreclosure with the opportunity to petition for full or partial relief of the amount owed to the City under the Program.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS White Paper

Marin County, CA | 2016 - 2017

LWC was hired by the County of Marin to research, prepare, and present a White Paper report analyzing considerations related to the controversial topic of short-term rentals in the County. The objective of the report was to accurately describe the factors involved in regulating short-term rentals in the County's coastal and inland areas.

Key research topics included economic and social factors related to online hosting sites (e.g., Airbnb), the benefits and challenges related to flexible vs. stringent regulatory frameworks, and case study considerations throughout California.

LWC reported and presented on short-term rentals at a Board of Supervisors meeting in July 2017.